Although Sydney, Australia is more than 10,000 miles away from Massachusetts, the December 14, mass shooting on Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration was top of mind for crowd members gathered at the Newton Centre Green to mark the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The holiday event, coordinated by the local Chabad with support of local Orthodox synagogues and Agudah of New England (an advocacy group), featured a massive menorah as well as joyful and solemn moments.
Newton community members paid their respects to the Australian victims of the attack that resulted in at least 15 deaths and dozens of others injured. Funerals were due to begin on Wednesday, December 17, in Australia.
“We took a moment to remember those whose lives were taken or suddenly transformed by antisemitic hatred at Bondi Beach in Australia,” said City Councilor-elect Lisa Gordon, who attended the Newton event with other local officials, including State Rep. Amy Sangiolo, incoming School Committee chair Alicia Piedalue, and City Councilors Julia Malakie and Martha Bixby.
The terror attack was “‘inspired by Islamic State,’ Australia’s federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett said Tuesday,” as reported by NPR. The shooting is part of a global rise in antisemitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
“Jewish families should not need armed security to light Hanukkah candles, nor should they have to fear for their lives in public spaces,” stated the ADL.
The disturbing trend, brought into focus after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks in Israel, was highlighted by U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss. Standing in front of the giant menorah, he offered words of solace and strength to the crowd and read a bipartisan statement from all 25 Jewish House members of Congress on the antisemitic attack in Australia:
On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism.
We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged.
Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear.
Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the Festival of Lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.
Gordon said it was special that residents from all backgrounds had gathered at the Newton Centre Green in solidarity and celebration. She said a highlight was when foil-wrapped chocolate gelt rained down on the crowd from the top of a Newton Fire truck ladder.
Hanukkah ends the night of Monday, December 22.
